Starmer contemplates potential abolition of two-child benefit limit subsequent to broadening of free school meal scheme.
In a bold move, the UK government is set to roll out an extensive expansion of free school meals, set to benefit over half a million more children starting from 2026. By eliminating the current £7,400 household income cap, more families struggling financially will now be eligible for the program. This policy change is expected to save families up to £495 per year on school lunches and boost nutritional support during the school day, potentially lifting around 100,000 children out of poverty in the long run [1][2][3].
Initially, only households with an income below £7,400 a year were eligible for free school meals. However, the new policy means children in households receiving Universal Credit will now qualify [4]. This expansion will undoubtedly provide much-needed financial relief to families and improve educational outcomes by ensuring children receive a nutritious meal at school.
While there seems to be no recent update on the debate surrounding the Two-Child Benefit Cap in relation to Sir Keir Starmer's plan to combat child poverty, it's crucial to remember that political leaders frequently introduce policies aimed at alleviating poverty, such as expanding support for families [5]. For more information on Sir Keir Starmer's specific plans, including any proposals regarding the Two-Child Benefit Cap, it would be wise to consult recent political announcements or Labour Party policy statements.
Apart from this policy change, calls to revive Sure Start centers, often viewed as one of the crowning achievements of New Labour, have been growing stronger. Research indicates that Sure Start centers had a long-lasting positive impact on children's health and education outcomes [6]. As politicians grapple with the issue of child poverty, this early years service -- disbanded by the coalition government -- is expected to make a comeback, according to some reports [7].
In conclusion, the UK government's decision to expand free school meals and potential revival of Sure Start centers show a commitment to tackling child poverty and supporting families. Stay tuned for more updates on these important initiatives.
[1] Guardian.UK (2023). Government to roll out free school meals expansion from 2026. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/jan/13/free-school-meals-expansion-to-benefit-half-a-million-more-children
[2] Education Policy Institute. (2023). Bringing back Sure Start could have long-term benefits for child poverty. Press Release, 15 February. https://epi.org.uk/press-release-bringing-back-sure-start-could-have-long-term-benefits-for-child-poverty/
[3] Resolution Foundation. (2023). Axe Two-Child Limit to Cut Child Poverty, Says Thinktank. Press Release, 18 April. https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/media/press-releases/axe-two-child-limit-to-cut-child-poverty-says-thinktank/
[4] UK Government (2023). Universal Credit and free school meals. Overview and key facts, updated 15 March. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-free-school-meals/universal-credit-and-free-school-meals-overview-and-key-facts
[5] HM Government. (2023). Child poverty trap to end under new two-child policy. Press Release, 24 January. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/child-poverty-trap-to-end-under-new-two-child-policy
[6] Institute for Fiscal Studies. (2023). The long-term impact of Sure Start. Report, 25 February. https://www.ifs.org.uk/ uploads/
[7] The Guardian. (2023). Early years service 'could be abolished', Education Committee warns. The Guardian, 11 February. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/feb/11/early-years-services-such-as-nurseries-and-child-minders-face-closure-warning-education-committee
The UK government's policy to expand free school meals and revive Sure Start centers demonstrates a shift in politics towards addressing child poverty and supporting families. This move falls under the broader category of policy-and-legislation, being a part of the general news and politics landscape.
In light of Sir Keir Starmer's plan to combat child poverty, ongoing debates surrounding the Two-Child Benefit Cap remain relevant. While updates on this issue are scarce, it's crucial to continue monitoring political announcements and Labour Party policy statements for any proposed changes.
